How an integrated advisory approach drove business transformation for a manufacturer

Setting the stage

This privately held, middle-market manufacturing company demanded a coordinated, end-to-end advisory approach to achieve its expansion goals. It was operating in high-growth mode and seeking to scale through acquisitions, simplify its capital structure, and ultimately parter with private equity. Executing on this vision required buying out its minority partner, completing multiple acquisitions and internal entity roll-ups, and standing up independent IT systems after separating from legacy infrastructure. These priorities were simultaneous, significantly pressuring timelines, resources and internal coordination.

Navigating transactional challenges

As the strategy developed, the company faced a series of interconnected challenges. Independence requirements meant stepping away from the existing audit relationship, while still maintaining institutional knowledge. Concurrently, multiple transactions – including a sell-side process, buy-side diligence, and internal restructuring – had to be executed.

These challenges were compounded by the need to carve out from IT systems owned or controlled by the minority partner – then rapidly implement standalone ERP and IT infrastructure. The company also needed reliable financial reporting, diligence support for investors, and guidance on optimizing acquisition economics, including identifying available incentives. Without a coordinated approach, these pressures risked delaying execution, disrupting operations, and leaving meaningful economic value on the table.

An integrated advisory approach

A cross-functional team was assembled to deliver a fully integrated solution:

• Investment banking for sell-side advisory
• Transaction advisory services for buy-side diligence
• Accounting advisory for post-acquisition structuring, audit readiness, and integration
• Consulting advisory for consolidation and external reporting
• Site selection and incentives advisory for state and local incentive identification and negotiation
• NetSuite implementation advisory for ERP selection and deployment
• Managed IT advisory for infrastructure and equipment rollout

The engagement began with a handoff from auditor to strategic advisor, preserving institutional knowledge while expanding support across the business. The team led the sell-side process to facilitate the minority partner buyout and position the company for a successful transaction with a leading global private equity (PE) firm. At the same time, they supported buy-side diligence for a strategic acquisition and guided the roll-up of additional family-owned entities into a unified structure.

Beyond transactions, the focus extended to operational transformation. The team identified and negotiated state and local incentives, securing approximately $4 million in benefits that enhanced deal economics. They also led the implementation of a new ERP system, enabling independent operation from its former partner, and deployed a new IT infrastructure to support the newly independent company. In parallel, they designed and implemented a scalable post-transaction accounting and reporting framework to support future growth.

Throughout the process, the advisory team acted as a central hub, aligning stakeholders across ownership, management, and PE investors while ensuring financial, operational and technology workstreams moved forward cohesively.

Results delivered across the engagement lifecycle

The engagement resulted in the successful execution of the minority partner buyout and a closed transaction with a leading global PE firm, positioning the company for accelerated growth. The company also completed a strategic acquisition and rolled up multiple family entities, creating a more efficient and scalable structure.

Operationally, the business achieved full independence from legacy systems, supported by a newly implemented ERP platform and modern IT infrastructure. Financial reporting and consolidation processes were streamlined, improving efficiency and enhancing investor readiness. The $4 million in secured incentives further strengthened the overall return on investment and deal economics. 

Why Sikich and this partnership worked

Client and stakeholder feedback highlighted the value of being able to execute complex transactions while simultaneously standing up a fully independent organization, recognizing Sikich as a trusted advisor capable of delivering both strategic and operational transformation.

Further, Sikich demonstrated the ability to unlock value across the full lifecycle – from transaction through operational independence and growth enablement. This strengthened credibility with PE and strategic investors too.

Learn more about Sikich’s collaborative approach with our partners here.